ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Agreement between India and Tajikistan on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters
Cabinet approves Agreement between India and Tajikistan on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing and ratifying, an Agreement between India and Tajikistan on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters.
The Agreement will help in the availability of relevant information for the prevention and investigation of Customs offences. The Agreement is also expected to facilitate trade and ensure efficient clearance of goods traded between the countries.
Background:
The Agreement would provide a legal framework for sharing of information and intelligence between the Customs authorities of the two countries and help in the proper application of Customs laws, prevention and investigation of Customs offences and the facilitation of legitimate trade. The Agreement takes care of Indian Customs' concerns and requirements, particularly in the area of exchange of information on the correctness of the Customs value declared, origin of goods and the tariff classification of the goods traded between the two countries.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Maharashtra and Odisha have a lot of commonalities, state dignitaries in an Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Webinar
: Mumbai/ Bhubaneswar, December 01, 2021
From long coastlines to large forest areas with a thriving wildlife population, two unique cultures that can boost of indigenous arts, dance-forms, music, architectural wonders - Maharashtra and Odisha have a lot of commonalities. This has been expressed by dignitaries from both the states in a webinar on "Socio-cultural bond between Odisha and Maharashtra" on Tuesday. Dr. Bipin Bihari Mishra, President of World Odisha Society  iterates the same view when he says, "The brotherhood between the people of Maharashtra and the people of Odisha is unique". "Culturally and traditionally both Maharashtra and Odisha are deeply connected", added Dr. Mishra in the hour-long discussions on both the states. Notably, Maharashtra and Odisha are paired states in the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' programme, which is being run by the Central Government to enhance interaction & promote mutual understanding between people of different states/UTs through the concept of state/UT pairing.
In his opening remarks, Shri Rajinder Chaudhury, Additional Director General of PIB in Odisha said, "India is the perfect example of Unity and Diversity. In every 50kms, we have seen change in language & culture but yet we are one". Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat is a beautiful initiative in realising and reiterating the cultural and traditional bonding between each and every Indian, said Shri Chaudhury.
The whole concept of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat needs to be taken to everyone, feels all the dignitaries. In this programme, the states carry out activities to promote a sustained and structured cultural connect in the areas of language learning, culture, traditions & music, tourism & cuisine, sports and sharing of best practices, etc.
The idea of a sustained and structured cultural connect between people of different regions was mooted by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the Rashtriya Ekta Divas held on 31st October, 2015, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.Prime Minister propounded that cultural diversity is a joy that ought to be celebrated through mutual interaction & reciprocity between people of different States and UTs so that a common spirit of understanding resonates throughout the country. Every State and UT in the country would be paired with another State/UT for a time period, during which they would carry out a structured engagement with one another in the spheres of language, literature, cuisine, festivals, cultural events, tourism etc.
The webinar has been jointly organized by the Press Information Bureau  and Regional Outreach Bureau  offices in Odisha and Maharashtra. These media units come under the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Dignitaries who participated in the webinar also include Shri Akhil Kumar Mishra, Director of ROB in Bhubaneswar and Dr. Rahul Tidke, Deputy Director of PIB in Maharashtra.
Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Ministry of Panchayati Raj organizing one-day deliberation meet “Manthan: Charting New Paths” on 30th January
Various stakeholders will deliberate on creating a more effective e-Gram SWARAJ 2.0 application
With the ever-evolving digital landscape in India, rural areas have also experienced a need for better e-Governance platforms by the Government. In order to harness use of digital technology pursuing ‘Next Generation’ reforms with the policy objective of ‘Maximum Governance – Minimum Government’, Ministry of Panchayati Raj is organising a one-day deliberation meet ‘Manthan: Charting New Paths’ on 30th January 2023 in New Delhi to brainstorm and develop a roadmap for improving its current e-Governance applications primarily e-Gram SWARAJ.
The conference would ascertain holistic inputs towards developing a common understanding on the way ahead to create a more effective e- Gram SWARAJ 2.0, transforming the scale, and scope of MoPR’s e-Governance applications on key parameters of accessibility, content availability, ease of use, information security & privacy, integrated service delivery etc., so that not only the revamp of the applications can be carried out in an efficient manner but also simplify the day to day works of the Panchayati Raj Institutions .
The event would be attended by industry experts from organisations of national/ international repute, representatives/ Senior Officials and Policymakers from different States and Resource Persons involved in Governance domain.Live webcasting of the Manthan Conference scheduled for Monday, 30th January, 2023 from 10 AM onwards would be available on NIC’s webcast link: https://webcast.gov.in/mopr
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Gen V K Singh  takes over as Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways
 took charge of the office of the Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways in New Delhi today. He was Union Minister of State for External Affairs in the previous government.
Speaking to media, Gen Singh said he will take forward the good work done by the ministry. He said holistic development of road infrastructure in the country will be given top priority.
General V K Singh is a member of Lok Sabha since May, 2014.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Public Procurement Policy for SMEs
The Government has notified Public Procurement Policy for Micro and Small Enterprises  Order, 2012 under MSMED Act. Under this policy, 25% of annual procurement by Central Ministries/Departments/Public Sector Enterprises  has to be made from Micro & Small enterprises. This includes 4% from MSEs owned by SC/STs and 3% from MSEs owned by Women entrepreneurs.
As per information uploaded on Sambandh portal for 2017-18, 2018-19 & current year till 22nd July, 2019, the details of annual procurement of goods & services from MSEs including SC/ST by the Central Public Sector Enterprise  are as under:
|
|
Year
|
|
No. of CPSEs 
|
|
Total Procurement 
|
|
Procurement From MSEs

|
|
Procurement from MSEs owned by SC/ST Entrepreneur

|
|
2017-18
|
|
170
|
|
114042.05
|
|
26357.46
|
|
544.72
|
|
2018-19
|
|
162
|
|
152620.40
|
|
40303.26
|
|
823.87
|
|
2019-20

|
|
77
|
|
22658.63
|
|
5631.38
|
|
100.38
Sambandh portal has been launched for effective monitoring of the implementation of Public Procurement Policy, MSME.
This information was given by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
With highest ever single day recoveries of nearly 30,000, the total number of recoveries crosses 7.82 lakhs
For the second day in a row, recoveries in a single day continue to post significant rise. The last 24 hours saw the highest ever single day number of patients cured and discharged i.e. 29,557. While the total number of recovered cases has jumped to 7,82,606, there has been appreciable growth in the recovery rate, which stands at 63.18%. Higher number of patients getting cured and discharged has contributed to increasing gap between recovered and total active cases. It is pegged at 3,56,439 today.
This accomplishment can be attributed to the Union Government led COVID-19 management strategies. Sustained efforts by the Center and State/UTs are resulting in more effective containment, aggressive testing, and prompt and efficient clinical treatment strategies. These are guided by the teams of domain experts in the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare such as the Joint Monitoring Group  and ably complemented by the technical experts at AIIMS, New Delhi, Centres of Excellence in various States/UTs, ICMR and NCDC. The Union Government continues to coordinate with the efforts of the State/UTs by sending Central teams of experts to areas witnessing increase in caseload and handholding of COVID hospitals in States through the tele-consultation program led by AIIMS, New Delhi. These combined efforts have resulted in Case Fatality Rate being managed at low levels. It is 2.41%, as on date, and steadily declining.
This has also helped in reducing the actual case load of COVID-19 cases which remains confined to 4,26,167 Active patients only.
For all authentic & updated information on COVID-19 related technical issues, guidelines & advisories please regularly visit: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/ and @MoHFW_INDIA.
Technical queries related to COVID-19 may be sent to technicalquery.covid19[at]gov[dot]in and other queries on ncov2019[at]gov[dot]in and @CovidIndiaSeva .
In case of any queries on COVID-19, please call at the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare helpline no.: +91-11-23978046 or 1075 . List of helpline numbers of States/UTs on COVID-19 is also available at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/coronvavirushelplinenumber.pdf .
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister’s meeting with the Prime Minister of Thailand
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met Prime Minister of Thailand Gen Prayut Chan-o-Cha on 3rd November 2019 on the sidelines of 35th ASEAN Summit, 14th East Asia Summit and 16th India-ASEAN Summit.
During the meeting both leaders reviewed the progress made in bilateral relationship and noted that frequent high level meetings and exchanges at all levels have created positive momentum in the relationship. Noting the enhanced engagement in defence and security fields, both sides agreed to explore opportunities for cooperation in defence industries sector. Welcoming 20% growth in bilateral trade last year, leaders decided to task the trade officials to discuss ways and means to enhance trade and investment.
The Prime Ministers also discussed ways to enhance connectivity between the two countries including in the areas of physical and digital connectivity. Both leaders welcomed the growing air connectivity between the two countries and start of a direct flight between Bangkok and Guwahati and also finalisation of agreements for cooperation between Ranong Port, Thailand and Indian ports in Kolkata, Chennai and Vishakapatnam.
The leaders also exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. PM Modi thanked Thai PM for the invitation extended to him to attend the ASEAN related meetings, and also congratulated him on his leadership as Chair of ASEAN. He positively assessed the contribution of Thailand as the Country Coordinator for India-ASEAN Strategic Partnership for further strengthening this relationship.
India and Thailand are close maritime neighbours having historical and cultural linkages. In the contemporary context, India’s ‘Act East’ policy is complimented by Thailand’s ‘Look West’ policy which has made the relationship deep, robust and multifaceted.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
EPFO updates KYC for 73.58 lakh subscribers during April-June 2020
To extend the availability and reach of its online services, which have become crucial in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, EPFO updated Know your Customer  data for its 73.58 lakh subscribers during the month of April to June 2020. This includes Aadhaar seeding for 52.12 lakh subscribers, mobile seeding  for 17.48 lakh subscribers and bank account seeding for 17.87 lakh subscribers. KYC is a one-time process which helps in identity verification of subscribers through linking of Universal Account Number  with KYC details.
Further, to enable KYC seeding on such large scale, EPFO has also undertaken massive exercise of rectifying the demographic details of the subscribers even during the lockdown phase. This resulted in 9.73 lakh name corrections, 4.18 lakh date of birth corrections and 7.16 lakh Aadhaar number corrections during April-June 2020.
To ensure social distancing in office during COVID-19 pandemic, EPFO adopted Work From Home strategy for time bound updation of KYC accounts. Staff working from home was assigned the task of updating the KYC and rectifying the details, reducing the pendency to almost day to day basis.
In addition, major simplification in processes such as removing the dependency on employers for Aadhaar seeding and accepting Aadhaar as proof of date of birth for differences up to three years, has expedited the entire process.
KYC updation enables a member to avail online services through member portal. He can file online for final withdrawal and advances including the recently introduced COVID-19 advances under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana . It facilitates hassle free online transfer of PF account on switching jobs. Any KYC compliant member can avail all the online services either through desktop or through Umang App.
President's Secretariat
Envoys of Four Nations present Credentials to President of India
Ambassadors/High Commissioners of Vietnam, Latvia, Jordan and Sri Lanka presented their credentials to the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today .
The envoys who presented their credentials were: -
1. Mr Pham Sanh Chau, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
2. Mr Artis Bertulis, Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia
3. Mr Mohamed Salam Jameel A. F. El-Kayed, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
4. Mr Kalupage Austin Fernando, High Commissioner of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister reviews the situation on COVID-19 with concerned Ministries
Hon’ble Prime Minister reviewed the situation on Novel Coronavirus  and action taken so far by various Ministries on 7th March 2020. The meeting was attended by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. S. Jaishankar, Union Minister of External Affairs, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister for State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Sh. Rajiv Gauba, Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Vinod K Paul, Member Niti Ayog, and General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff and Secretaries of Health, Pharma, Civil Aviation, External Affairs, Health Research, Home, Shipping, NDMA and other officials..
Secretary, Health and Family Welfare made a presentation on the current scenario and action taken by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and other supporting Ministries with respect to preparedness and response to COVID 19. The presentation emphasized on the core areas of surveillance at point of entry and community, laboratory support, hospital preparedness, logistics and risk communication.
Secretary, Department of Pharma conveyed about the availability of sufficient stocks of medicines, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients  and other consumables for use in India.
Issues related to need for continued vigil at all airports, seaports and land border crossings, community level surveillance as per protocol, and ensuring availability of sufficient beds for isolation was discussed. Dr. Harsh Vardhan emphasized the need for effective coordination with states for timely response. Member, Niti Ayog emphasized the need for increasing surge capacity for hospitalization. The request obtained for evacuation of Indians from Iran was highlighted.
Hon’ble Prime Minister while complimenting all departments for the work taken up so far, mentioned that India has to be prepared in its response as per the evolving scenario. All departments should work in convergence and action shall be initiated for creating awareness in community about the disease and the precautions to be taken. He exhorted the officers to identify best practices for COVID-19 management from across the world and within the states and ensure their adoption. He mentioned that in view of opinion of experts, people should be advised to avoid mass gatherings as far as possible and be made aware of Do’s and Don’ts. He directed that an immediate exercise be taken up to identify sufficient locations for quarantine and also for critical care provisioning in case the disease spread. Officials were instructed to plan for early testing and evacuation of Indians from Iran. He highlighted the need for advance & adequate planning and timely response as critical for managing this infectious disease from a public health perspective.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
National Highways Authority of India takes steps to ensure waiting time should not be more than 10 seconds per vehicle at toll plazas
In order to ensure smooth and quick passage of vehicles at the toll plazas, National Highways Authority of India  has issued guidelines to ensure service time of not more than 10 seconds per vehicle even during peak hours at the toll plazas on the National Highways.
The new guidelines will also ensure seamless flow of traffic at the toll plazas by not allowing vehicles to queue up more than 100 metres. Although at most of the toll plazas, there is no waiting time after mandatory 100% Fastag, even then if there is queue of waiting vehicles of more than 100 metres due to some reason, the vehicles will be allowed to pass without paying toll till the queue comes within 100 metres from the toll booth. For this purpose, a yellow line at a distance of 100 metres from toll booth will be marked in each toll lane. This is to inculcate further sense of accountability in toll plaza operators.
Since NHAI has successfully transitioned to 100% cashless tolling from middle of February 2021, the overall FASTag penetration at NHAI Toll Plazas has reached 96% and stands at 99% at many toll plazas. Keeping in view the growing Electronic Toll Collection  penetration in the country, it has been emphasized to have a new design and construct the upcoming toll plazas as per traffic projections for next 10 years to have an efficient toll collection system.
As social distancing has become the new normal, more and more commuters are opting to use FASTag as it removes the chances of any direct contact between the drivers and toll operators. The constant growth and adoption of FASTag by the highway users is encouraging and has helped bringing more efficiency in toll operations.
Special Service and Features
BSNL appoints new Chief General Manager for Chennai Telecom Circle
 has appointed Smt. T. Poonkodi ITS as Chief General Manager of BSNL Chennai Telephones. She is a 1987-batch cadre of the Indian Telecommunication Service of the Government of India. The Chennai Telecom Circle of BSNL has jurisdiction over the Chennai, Chengalpet, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur district.
Smt. Poonkodi ITS assumed charge as Chief General Manager, BSNL Chennai Telephones from 01st May 2022 onwards following the superannuation of Dr. V.K. Sanjeevi ITS. She is a Communication engineer graduated from Government College of Technology, Coimbatore and a MBA Scholar specialised in Technology Management from Anna University. Previously Smt. Poonkodi has served as Principal General Manager in Tamilnadu & Chennai Circle. She started her carrier in DOT as ADET with specialised training in transmission and served various positions in different fields at Tamilnadu, Hyderabad, Shillong, Guwahati in her 35 years of service till now.
She has already worked in Chennai telephones in her carrier for around 12 years and has experience to lead the Circle and serving the BSNL customers in Chennai very efficiently.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Livelihood Business Incubators
A total number of 31 Livelihood Business Incubators  were sanctioned under A Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industries and Entrepreneurship  during the financial year 2020-21. Four  LBIs became functional during the financial year 2020-21.
A total number of 03 LBIs were sanctioned in Odisha under ASPIRE during the financial year 2020-21. No LBI became functional in Odisha during the same period.
As on date, 61 LBIs have become functional in the country including Odisha. Till 31.12.2021, 54,801 persons have been trained in LBIs across the country, out of which 15169 trainees became self-employed and 8928 trainees got employed in other units.
There is a mechanism to assess the operation of the scheme incorporating the inputs from the stakeholders, through a Third Party Assessment Study. In FY 2020-21, a Third Party assessment study of the scheme was conducted by IIM Lucknow.
ASPIRE is a scheme to provide training and incubation support to prospective entrepreneurs in agro-rural sector through LBIs, with no specific provision to extend benefits directly to local artisans.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
Ministry of Finance
Exchange Rate Notification No. 97/2022 - Customs 
In exercise of the powers conferred by section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962 , and in supersession of the Notification No. 92/2022-Customs, dated 3rd November, 2022 except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs hereby determines that the rate of exchange of conversion of each of the foreign currencies specified in column  of each of Schedule I and Schedule II annexed hereto, into Indian currency or vice versa, shall, with effect from 18th November, 2022, be the rate mentioned against it in the corresponding entry in column  thereof, for the purpose of the said section, relating to imported and export goods.
SCHEDULE-I
|
|
Sl.
No.
|
|
Foreign Currency
|
|
Rate of exchange of one unit of foreign currency equivalent to Indian rupees
|
|
-
|
|

|
|

|
|
|
|
|
|

|
|

|
|
|
|
|
|

|
|

|
|
1.
|
|
Australian Dollar
|
|
56.05
|
|
53.65
|
|
2.
|
|
Bahraini Dinar
|
|
223.65
|
|
210.30
|
|
3.
|
|
Canadian Dollar
|
|
62.20
|
|
60.20
|
|
4.
|
|
Chinese Yuan
|
|
11.60
|
|
11.30
|
|
5.
|
|
Danish Kroner
|
|
11.60
|
|
11.20
|
|
6.
|
|
EURO
|
|
86.25
|
|
83.20
|
|
7.
|
|
Hong Kong Dollar
|
|
10.60
|
|
10.25
|
|
8.
|
|
Kuwaiti Dinar
|
|
273.75
|
|
257.40
|
|
9.
|
|
New Zealand Dollar
|
|
51.45
|
|
49.10
|
|
10.
|
|
Norwegian Kroner
|
|
8.30
|
|
8.00
|
|
11.
|
|
Pound Sterling
|
|
98.75
|
|
95.40
|
|
12.
|
|
Qatari Riyal
|
|
23.05
|
|
21.65
|
|
13.
|
|
Saudi Arabian Riyal
|
|
22.45
|
|
21.10
|
|
14.
|
|
Singapore Dollar
|
|
60.45
|
|
58.50
|
|
15.
|
|
South African Rand
|
|
4.85
|
|
4.55
|
|
16.
|
|
Swedish Kroner
|
|
7.90
|
|
7.65
|
|
17.
|
|
Swiss Franc
|
|
88.00
|
|
84.75
|
|
18.
|
|
Turkish Lira
|
|
4.50
|
|
4.25
|
|
19.
|
|
UAE Dirham
|
|
22.95
|
|
21.60
|
|
20.
|
|
US Dollar
|
|
82.60
|
|
80.90
SCHEDULE-II
|
|
Sl.
No.
|
|
Foreign Currency
|
|
Rate of exchange of 100 units of foreign currency equivalent to Indian rupees
|
|
-
|
|

|
|

|
|
|
|
|
|

|
|

|
|
|
|
|
|

|
|

|
|
1.
|
|
Japanese Yen
|
|
59.50
|
|
57.60
|
|
2.
|
|
Korean Won
|
|
6.30
|
|
5.90